It also denies any immediate recognition to the heritage of either the Burlington Northern, or to Santa Fe as they've dropped that from their name. Sure, we all know what it means, but will future generations?

Well, I think future generations of railfans will know what BNSF stands for (how many of us know what B&O, WM, C&NW, PC or NYC stands for?), but the general public (read: non-railroader/railfan community) may not. That's something the "image" department should have considered.

Personally, I think the circle with the cross reading "Burlington Northern Santa Fe" (the infamous "cigar band?") was better. Maybe this will be a short lived thing? Maybe not. Guess we'll have to wait and see.